Happy Anniversary!

My first Blog post for Beacon: Faith & Family was December 29, 2017. I was so excited and as I do my books and evaluate the first year of BFF, I am still crazy excited and humbled by all that has happened! 

First of all, I am overwhelmingly thankful for this opportunity.  I do not know what I expected, but I am awed by how God has grown this ministry. My association with Light Up the Dark became more clear as the year progressed and that has been huge.  We went from 1 to 5 Light Houses which means 5 individuals or families getting a new, Christ centered start.  We passed our one year anniversary and could simply praise God for what we have seen and been a part of.  Thank you Jesus. I also love the flexibility that ministry provides to think and be outside the sterile office of traditional counseling or psychotherapy!  I enjoy spending real time with the people I am helping!

As far as Beacon: Faith & Family as a Christian Counseling option for folks here in Central Kansas, I have been surprised and blessed by the opportunities I have had!  I have received referrals from medical practices, friends and churches! It has been a great opportunity for me and people who otherwise would be traveling long distance for services!  It is nice to have local options!

Some things we (BFF and LUTD) did:

• We started a Recovery Group Wednesday nights at the Sterling Public Library.  We average 5-11 attendees each week.
• I taught a class on Overcoming Codependency with the Point of Grace ministry in Lyons, KS this Spring.
•  I also had the delightful fun of teaching 2 Stress Management classes for the Rice County Gift program class early in the spring.  That was just busy and fun!
• I'm working a SA/DV group with Rice County SA/DV, but that is still coming together. 
•  Tried for a lunchtime Grief and Loss group, but we will start a sign up list before trying that again. 

What did I see and do  I foresee in the future?

• The need for no fee or very low fee counseling is real in this area.  I will be researching grants for such a thing.  Since I am not technically "non-profit" I am not sure how that will go.
• Do I make BFF a non-profit, so I can raise funds for this work?
• Do I seek/reinstate licensure and supervision, so that we do not have to refer out when mental health services are required?  (this is a huge prayer request).
• Mini classes and Wellness tracks

Freedom in Recovery

Wednesdays Sterling Public Library basement:
Join us for our Freedom in Recovery support group.  This confidential group is for anyone working to break the chains of an addiction or life controlling behaviors. We are currently working through The Life Recovery Workbook by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. All resources are provided and there is always a time of sharing and encouragement as well.  

Questions contact Teri Anderson 620-278-6295

What is new at Beacon: Faith and Family

Beacon: Faith and Family, Christian Counseling Services, opened her doors in early January and since that time has been a tremendous blessing, I hope to those I get to come alongside, but for myself as I love being used by God this way. 

Other counselor friends of mine have shared that God grows and hems their practices precisely to His timing and our need.  Our family underwent many transitions this summer and Beacon sustained and maintained.  Fall ushers in a new phase and it is one where I feel called to reach out.  Fall is HARD on so many!!  Between the transition, the darkness, the upcoming Holidays...it's just hard and it is not unusual to see either and increase in depressive or anxious symptoms or to see them develop even if they have never been an issue before.  This is also a time when any losses we have experiences, especially in the last year, start to weigh even heavier on us.

It is still my heart's desire to shine the Light of Christ in dark places, so I will be adding some services starting mid October. In addition to providing individual and family sessions I will be adding some groups and classes:

Walk In Wednesdays: I will be in our Mishler Buidling Office from 1-5 Wednesdays, available for walk in appointments.  If the door is closed/ in session, please text "I would like your next walk in session" to 620-278-6295 and go have a tea or coffee at The Point or wait in the Light Post and peruse our books and coloring pages.  (Wi-Fi available).  I will text you as soon as I am available. $35 per session.  FREE 15 min consult. Starting October  17th.

• Support for Grief and Loss: Starting October 17th, Noon to 1PM in the Mishler Building Office.  This will be an open support group, where we will discuss loss, the benefit of mourning our losses and the tools to do so. This will also provide a safe space to do so. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Free will love offering for supplies.

Shatter the Silence: Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Support Group: Have you or a friend been the victim of sexual assault or domestic/ dating violence?  Then one of your #1 needs is support.  You are NOT alone.  Come by the Mishler Building from 7-8PM on Wednesday nights and receive the support that can help break the chains of these tormenting issues in your life. Also starting October 17t
 No fee, enough has been taken.



Individual Mini Series:  Some life issues benefit the most from information & support.  If you are facing Stress Management, Conflict Resolution, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, SA/DV issues consider Beacon's Mini Series.  When traditional "counseling" does not seem like the right fit consider these mini series sessions.  We will go over basic information regarding the issue, specify your place and needs, create and implement a plan and evaluate its effectiveness. $25 per 4-6 sessions (Must be used in a 2 month period of time). 

John 16:33 New International Version (NIV)
³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The first few months... why counseling?

In December as I was writing my initial post about Beacon I did not know what to expect with this ministry...here is where I am so far!

These first 2 months have been full and refreshing!  One area I work with is Light Up The Dark. As 2017 came to a close, we rolled out the Light House Initiative and we hit the ground running.  What an awesome God we have and how He has in His timing brought people and opportunities to us. It blesses my socks off!  The group of individuals I get to work closely with each week is amazing!  If you have not seen much about the Light House initiative, check out either the website or this video.  It is exciting to watch and be a part of it.

Another area Beacon will be heavily involved is Operation Restore,  this part of Light Up The Dark focuses on ways we can share light in our community!    Heather and I are looking into options for a Recovery Group to meet here in Sterling, hopefully starting in May.  I am also interested in starting a Grief and Loss group.

As for Beacon, I have been busy.  I started seeing people the end of January and that has been a blessing and confirmation that I am where God can use me.

Why Counseling?
Sometimes people ask me, why should I see a counselor? Here are some thoughts:
We are created for relationship.  There is something powerful that happens when there is a safe and open place to share thoughts and feelings. Often people can be helped by family and friends or others like a teacher, pastor, coach, mentor...all of these people can be crucial when dealing with hard life circumstances or hurts.  Here are some clues when seeking an outside source, like a counselor, might be helpful:

• You are stuck, even though you have tried to talk it out with friends/ family.
• It is private and your are not comfortable sharing all of it without confidentiality. Guilt, shame, embarrassment can keep us from sharing with people we know.
• Others have suggested you get outside help.
• What you are dealing with feels bigger than what friends or family can help with (for example you are scared to let them know how bad you are really feeling).

 The counseling relationship is different because it is not a two sided relationship.  You do not have to ask me how I'm doing or be worried if I have had a rough day.  My goal is always to not just hear you, but to really hear you.  To listen to not just your words, but your body, your emotions and your heart/ soul. You know you way better than I do, so I let you tell me about you and your experiences. That way I can get a good sense of where you are coming from, what might be missing, what we have to work with and where you want to go. I firmly believe that people are doing the best they can with what they have to deal with and with what they have to give.  We check judgement at the door and deal with what is.  And go from there.

Why a fee?
As a Christian Counselor I sometimes feel like I should "just help people" without a fee. I do that when a person is without means to pay.  However, it costs me money to get training, belong to associations that provide continuing education and it costs to run a business.  I am committed to keeping my fees  reasonable without undercutting any of the other local counselors. I also think it helps to pay for what you are getting.  You are more invested that way and it keeps us on track. We set goals and steps for attaining them. However, if you know someone who needs help, but does not have means to pay. Do not hesitate to refer them to me.  We may be able to offer scholarship money for services or offer services through Light Up The Dark. 
God bless!

Signage is up!
Let me answer some frequently asked questions.
My office hours: at this point I’m available for appointments anytime during regular business hours and I’m planning 2 evenings a week
Please call 620-278-6295. It’s my cell, so if you are worried about privacy you do not have to leave your name. If we know each other I’ll change your name in my contacts for privacy. Just leave me a message that says, "Hey Teri, can you give me a call?"
You can email me at beaconfaithfamily@gmail.or message me on facebook @beaconfaithfamily
I provide counseling services for individuals, couples or families.
This is a ministry based service in association with Light Up the Dark, not a psychological evaluation.
All services strictly confidential except for mandated reporting.
No insurance, affordable fee for service. 
$35 per session, $110/ 4 sessions per month, free initial face to face or phone consultation.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog...

It has long been a dream of mine to start a Christian counseling service!  It is December 29, 2017 and my launch date is January 1, 2018.  What a blessing to be this close! 
How this blog is set up:
In the right hand sidebar are some pages that outline my services, a person's rights and responsibilities, and my statement of faith. Some pages may still be under construction. Please check these out, share them with friends and community that might benefit from this.

We live in rural Kansas  and this old light bulb is in a very old, beat up shed, it does not work and is of little use. Oddly it is still intact. It reminds me of myself. In the last 2 years, I have been working, working hard, but not really shining light. Well, not the way I know I can.  In the last year, God has made it very clear that it is time to get back to my calling.   There is merit and financial benefit to working hard, but a follower of Jesus has two obligations and one is to work to provide, but the other is the fulfill one's calling. One of the ways I will do that is to make myself available to those who may be hurting or need someone to come along side them during a difficult time.  If you scroll down further it will discuss how this all started for me. 

Please join me in prayer that this will provide a place for even one person to get help. If you have any questions, please message or comment. I will also be on Facebook, so you can message or call me from there are well. 

God bless!